Advance Your Career: Senior Social Worker (HUD-VASH) at the VA
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a Senior Social Worker for the HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program in Grand Junction, Colorado. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide critical care and housing stability to veterans who have sacrificed so much.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, your role will be multi-faceted and centered on the needs of our veterans:
- Case Management: Provide short-term and long-term counseling, assisting veterans with navigating complex psychosocial barriers to housing stability.
- Community Liaison: Act as a bridge between veterans, their families, and community resources, including housing authorities and landlords.
- Program Development: Utilize data and outcome evaluations to improve the effectiveness of social work services and community-based interventions.
- Mentorship: Serve as a preceptor for social work students and provide guidance to less experienced staff.
Core Competency Comparison
| Feature | Junior Level Expectation | Senior Level Expectation (This Role) |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | Requires supervision | Practice autonomously |
| Clinical Focus | Case management | Advanced diagnostic & intervention |
| Leadership | Mentee | Mentor & Preceptor |
| Scope | Program support | System design & policy input |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted clinical-level social work license in any state.
- Experience: At least two years of post-licensure clinical experience is required for the GS-12 grade level.
- Driver's License: A valid, unrestricted state-issued driver's license is required for local travel.
Salary Overview
The position is designated as GS-12, with an annual salary range of $99,119 to $128,857. This reflects the high level of clinical expertise and responsibility required for this senior-level role.
Benefits
Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Qualified participants may receive up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holiday schedule.
- Insurance: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options for you and your family.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume highlights your clinical decision-making skills and experience with diverse or vulnerable populations. Since this is a senior role, be specific about instances where you acted as a mentor, developed new procedures, or utilized data to improve clinical outcomes.
This position offers the perfect combination of professional autonomy and the ability to serve our nation's heroes. If you possess the required clinical licensure and a passion for social work, we encourage you to submit your application by November 3, 2026. Join our team in Grand Junction and help us fulfill the promise of providing world-class care to our veterans.
Why This Senior Social Worker Hud-Vash Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served. Join the VA as a Senior Social Worker and help combat veteran homelessness in beautiful Western Colorado.
Senior Social Worker Hud-Vash Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Senior Social Worker for our HUD-VASH program in Grand Junction, Colorado. This role is pivotal in supporting veterans experiencing homelessness, providing advanced clinical case management, and coordinating vital resources to improve quality of life and health outcomes for those who sacrificed for our nation.
Requirements for Senior Social Worker Hud-Vash
- U.S. Citizenship (or meet exception policy if necessary)
- Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted state licensure to practice social work at the independent clinical level
- At least two years of post-licensure experience in a specialized social work area
- Valid, unrestricted state-issued driver's license
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Social Worker Hud-Vash
- Two years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
- Expertise in psychosocial assessment and crisis intervention
- Experience in providing supervision for licensure or specialty certifications
- Advanced knowledge of outcome evaluation and program development
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Federal competitive salary and step increases
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Federal Retirement System (FERS) benefits
- ✓Ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities
💡 How to Apply Senior Social Worker Hud-Vash Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Social Worker Hud-Vash Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and a copy of your current professional license.
- Gather supporting documents such as SF-50 (if applicable), DD-214 (if applicable), and your driver's license.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the official application portal.
- Upload all required documentation.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly reflects the two years of post-clinical licensure experience.
- Be specific about your work with veterans or homeless populations in your resume.
- Double-check that your license information is current and clearly stated.
- Verify that your education meets the CSWE accreditation standards before applying.
- Monitor your email for status updates after submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an onsite position based in Grand Junction, Colorado, requiring community-based travel.
What is the EDRP program?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program for qualified VA employees, potentially offering up to $200,000 in assistance.
Do I need a driver's license?
Yes, this position requires significant community travel, so a valid, unrestricted state driver's license is mandatory.
Is there a trial period?
*A: Yes, new federal hires are typically required to serve a one- or two-year trial period to evaluate performance and professional fitness.*
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
*A: Absolutely. While we serve veterans, the position is open to qualified applicants regardless of their own military status.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. In Grand Junction, our facility serves approximately 16,000 veterans across the Western Slope of Colorado. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive, professional environment where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. Nestled near the majestic canyons of the Rockies, our location offers a high quality of life with an ideal balance of professional challenge and outdoor recreation.